Q: How Do Cremation Costs Compare To Those Of Traditional Funerals?

A: Generally, cremation costs will be somewhat less than those associated with a traditional funeral. As with a traditional funeral service, there are many options available to each family. Costs are largely based on the type of merchandise chosen. Because each families's wishes differ, we will be glad to discuss your individualized plans and needs, and present you with an approximate idea of the costs involved. We sincerely welcome your inquiries.

Q: What Services Are Available With Cremation?

A: Just about every service associated with the traditional funeral, as we know it, is available to families choosing the option of cremation. While the final disposition of the remains differ, the choices regarding services are virtually the same. Gunderson's is proud to offer options such as personalized service folders, acknowledgement cards, individualized video memorials, use of the chapel and facilities, and all other services normally associated with traditional services.

Q: Can I Still Choose To Have a viewing and Traditional Memorial Service?

A: Absolutely. Many families choosing cremation have also elected to conduct a traditional visitation with viewing, along with a traditional service. We offer the choices of special caskets designed for cremation, as well as ceremonial caskets intended just for this purpose. Because we conduct the cremation process on our own premises, we are able to meet special time needs that are not always available from third-party cremation providers. At Gunderson's we work with each family and wishes and needs to create a memorable and meaningful final tribute.

Q: What Is Done With The Cremated Remains Following the Service and Cremation Process?

A: There are many options for cremated remains, ranging from traditional interment, to use of special urns. Unlike traditional burial, there are only a few federal laws governing the disposition of cremated remains. Therefore, whether a family chooses burial of the remains in a cemetery, or encapsulation in a container designed especially for cremated remains, each family has the opportunity to direct the proper disposition themselves. We are always available to advise and assist each family with their individual needs.

Q: What Are The Advantages To Choosing A Funeral Home With An On-Site Crematory?

Our on-site crematory offers families two distinct advantages. First your loved one never leaves our care. Unlike many funeral homes that contract with an off-site, third party cremation provider, our crematory is located within our facilities. The cremation process is conducted and monitored by our licensed funeral directors, assuring you of the highest level of respect, care and accountability. Secondly, because we complete the cremation process ourselves, we are able to offer our families the benefit of providing the service, the cremation, and interment all within the same day. This is a true benefit to families that are traveling a great distance, or are under difficult time constraints. At Gunderson's, we pledge you peace of mind, and strive to offer convenience during one of the most difficult times a family can experience.

Q: How Do I Make My Final Wishes Known?

A: Gunderson's Pre-Planning Consultant, Janet Hubbell is a licensed funeral director, and is available to help families with funeral pre-arrangement decisions. Janet welcomes the opportunity to sit down and have you decide everything regarding your final wishes; from cremation or traditional burial, to music selections, Bible passages, and all other matters. She will also help you, if you wish, establish an inventory and location of life insurance policies and veterans and other benefits. By doing so, you will be assured that your family will know where important documents are located, to help assure that they will receive the benefits for which you have worked so hard. When all questions are answered, we'll place the information on file until the time of need. There is absolutely no charge from our funeral home for this service.

The second part of prearranging your funeral is prepayment. If you so desire, we will itemize all aspects of your funeral and give you a detailed, accurate accounting of all expenses. Due to factors beyond our control, the cost of a funeral has steadily increased over the years. By prepaying for your service, we can guarantee that your service will be provided. This will help ease the financial burden your family would otherwise encounter.

Please Remember: With Gunderson's, there is no cost to preplan your funeral, and no obligation to prepay.

Q: How Can I Get More Information?

A: From time to time, Gunderson's sponsors "Curious About Cremation" seminars, held within our conveniently located funeral home. These sessions last around an hour, and are designed to discuss and answer questions concerning cremation choices. If you wish, we will be glad to add your name to our list, and notify you when our next session is scheduled.